IRISH PRIZE: Everett Golson has had an up-and-down season for Notre Dame, but Irish coach Brian Kelly is expecting a big game from his quarterback against Alabama in the BCS National Championship on Jan. 7. Photo: AP

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Alabama junior quarterback AJ McCarron made certain last week his focus for the BCS National Championship game would be not be distracted by thoughts of turning pro. He declared he would return for his senior season. One less question to face.

The Crimson Tide (12-1) knows exactly what it will get from McCarron, who started every game and led the nation in passing efficiency. Having led the Tide to last year’s national title, he will not blink on the night of Jan. 7 when the Tide plays No.1-ranked Notre Dame.

Irish coach Brian Kelly didn’t know what to expect from his starting quarterback at times this season, and pulled Everett Golson three times in favor of Tommy Rees. But yesterday Kelly stood squarely behind his quarterback, saying Golson wouldn’t flinch.

“I would be very, very surprised if he can’t handle the moment,’’ Kelly said. “I think he’s got enough experience that he can go in there and play the game. He’ll be like anybody else. The nerves will have to settle down, but I think as he gets into the flow of the game, once you start seeing him smile a little bit, I think everybody that watches him knows, that’s when he plays his best.’’

There weren’t a lot of laughs for Golson in the first half of the season, even as the Irish continued to win games. Rees was expected to be the starter, but his arrest in an off-campus fight got him suspended for the opener, opening the door for Golson.

It was Rees who came off the bench to lead the Irish to a 20-13 win over Stanford in overtime, the Irish’s toughest game of the season. Golson missed the next game against BYU and went into the Oklahoma game with his confidence knee-high to a fire hydrant.

“From an Everett Golson standpoint, there had to have been at times, questions about, ‘Does Coach Kelly want me to be the guy?’ ’’ Kelly acknowledged. “You know, ‘Is this my job or is this Tommy Rees’ job?’ ’’

After leading Notre Dame to a 30-13 win at Oklahoma, clearly it was Golson’s job. He racked up 241 yards in total offense, demoralizing the Sooners with precise throws and knifing runs. When the game ended, offensive coordinator Chuck Martin, saw his quarterback grinning with satisfaction.

Martin jokingly told his quarterback he stunk.

“That’s not that first time he said that,’’ Golson said with a laugh.

Golson was terrific down the stretch, as he threw seven touchdown passes and two interceptions. In the opening drive of the Irish’s 22-13 win at USC in the last game of the season — a nine-play, 66-yard grinder that set the tone — tackle Zach Martin said Golson checked on every play.

Golson finished the season 63rd in passing efficiency. But three weeks before the title game, he said he wouldn’t be fazed.

“I’m not the type to succumb to pressure,’’ he said. “I don’t make any moment bigger than what it is.’’